Laurel, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Laurel, Mississippi is 17,129 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest city in Mississippi. The median household income is $37,781, the median home value is $110,200, and the median age is 35.6.
The population has declined 5.5% since 2010 (18,530 → 17,508).
17,129
Population
928
People / sq mi
$37,781
Median Income
$110,200
Median Home Value
Get Laurel's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Laurel covers 18.5 sq mi of land at 928 people per square mile.
About Laurel, MS
What sets Laurel apart is money: median household income runs $37,781, below the US median of $78,538. Laurel is a city in Mississippi with a population of 17,129. It ranks #24 among cities in Mississippi by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $37,781, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 25.9%, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $110,200, with typical rent around $839.
College attainment is 20.4%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 4.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Laurel city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Laurel city had a population of 18,530 in 2010 and 17,508 in 2024, a -5.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,731 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.40%.
17,508
Population (2024)
18,530
Population (2010)
18,731
Peak (2013)
-0.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,530 |
| 2011 | 18,487 |
| 2012 | 18,679 |
| 2013 | 18,731 |
| 2014 | 18,694 |
| 2015 | 18,675 |
| 2016 | 18,592 |
| 2017 | 18,474 |
| 2018 | 18,449 |
| 2019 | 18,338 |
| 2020 | 17,818 |
| 2021 | 17,756 |
| 2022 | 17,694 |
| 2023 | 17,603 |
| 2024 | 17,508 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 29.1% |
| Black or African American | 64.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$37,781
Median Household Income
$27,893
Per Capita Income
25.9%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$110,200
Median Home Value
$839
Median Rent
61.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
85.0%
High School+
20.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
87.3%
Public Transit
4.2%
Work From Home
17.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
17.5%
Foreign Born
92.8%
Non-English at Home
5.3%
Veterans
17.2%
With Disability
84.8%
Health Insurance
90.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 23.4% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.3% |
| Construction | 5.0% |
| Retail Trade | 4.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Information | 3.3% |
| Public Administration | 2.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.6% |
Largest cities in Mississippi
Largest counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Laurel, Mississippi has a population of 17,129 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest city in Mississippi.
The median household income in Laurel, Mississippi is $37,781, with 25.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Laurel, Mississippi is $110,200, with median monthly rent at $839 and a homeownership rate of 61.1%.
The median age in Laurel, Mississippi is 35.6 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The population has declined 5.5% since 2010 (18,530 → 17,508).
Where to stay in Laurel
Visiting or relocating to Laurel, MS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
More from Mississippi
Population 149,827
Population 72,533
Population 55,531
Population 49,011
Population 48,507
Full rankings of Mississippi cities by population
Statewide data for Mississippi
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Mississippi
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.